Tail biting

I think Deska's really pretty sick. He's lay on the couch all day. I went outside to weed in the courtyard just to get him out in the sun, he followed very, very slowly. Now he's back on the couch and really asleep - doesn't even move when I say his name. I've even managed to go to the toilet without supervision!

If I take the bandage off his tail he starts crying - my mum the nurse says the air can sting weeping wounds so to leave on a burn gauze. I know the vet said to leave it open but I trust my mum more. He won't let me get near the tail with the cortisone spray so I doubt I'll be able to put anything else on it. But I will try to wash it again in the bath because he still smells and I wonder if there's some poop on the tail I didn't manage to wash off.

Of course it's a long weekend here.
 
Caro so sorry for Deska, perhaps he sleeps to optimize his immune system.

I've tried to read about it, and it also says that it is not always good that open wound not get a bandage, just as your mother says.

I also read this as I translated:

A new study (2007) suggests that honey is one of the most effective methods to get the wounds to heal quickly. It also seems that honey works just as well as antibiotics.

Wounds that are treated with honey once or several times daily, depending on wound severity, are generally sterile within 3-10 days. Honey is especially effective in the treatment of wounds that do not or will close all.

In a summary of 18 studies of different methods of wound healing, including the use of fly larvae, honey fared best. This is probably the beginning of the era of antibiotics has led to one forgot honey good effect.

Especially good is Manuka honey from New Zealand that are also safe to use.
 
Hanne said:
Caro so sorry for Deska, perhaps he sleeps to optimize his immune system.

I've tried to read about it, and it also says that it is not always good that open wound not get a bandage, just as your mother says.

I also read this as I translated:

A new study (2007) suggests that honey is one of the most effective methods to get the wounds to heal quickly. It also seems that honey works just as well as antibiotics.

Wounds that are treated with honey once or several times daily, depending on wound severity, are generally sterile within 3-10 days. Honey is especially effective in the treatment of wounds that do not or will close all.

In a summary of 18 studies of different methods of wound healing, including the use of fly larvae, honey fared best. This is probably the beginning of the era of antibiotics has led to one forgot honey good effect.

Especially good is Manuka honey from New Zealand that are also safe to use.
Click to expand...

I have a friend that is a wound nurse, and they use honey on severe wounds to promote healing, and they use manuka honey-I don't know if it is some kind of medical grade or not...they have found it produces better results. So that would be the route I would take. I have used honey on all kinds of stuff for healing. I get it from a local beekeeper and that stuff is amazing.
 
I've heard something too about the honey. Didn't know it was Manuka, but that makes sense as Manuka is a NZ tea tree plant. I've got cupboard loads of honey, I always stop at a town known for it's honey when I visit the family interstate, but would you believe, no Manuka. Certainly wouldn't sting as much as an antiseptic so it would be a better option - if I can get near his tail.

Took Tully for a walk and he wanted to come, but lay in his stroller the whole way. I took his temp - under arm and in mouth (he kept trying to chew it) and it's 36C which is a little low for a dog. I really hope he doesn't have sepsis. I need to wash his tail again but he won't let me near it and yelps when I take the bandage off (I don't have anyone to hold him). If he's like this tomorrow I think it will be a trip to the vet to get them to rinse his tail.
 
Caro, it sounds like you are doing everything possible for Deska and I am so sorry nothing has helped so far. You must be exhausted emotionally and physically...it is so heartbreaking when one of our little ones is not well and we can't seem to find the solution to fix it. Sending many good wishes and hopes that something can be found to help your little one.

Trini
 
Caro I just wanted to post a message to say I'm thinking about Deska. I really hope you're able to clean his tail and help him comfortable and that he feels better soon. :hugs
 
Finally Deska's fever has broken. He managed a walk today and he's not trying to bite his tail. He's even letting me near it to change the dressing.

I tried putting honey on - it was very messy because of his squirming and then he kept licking the bandages because of the honey everywhere. So I think I may give that a miss, not quite effective on a piggy.

He's still being coned for bed, I had to chase him around the house last night because he's sick of it. But I just don't trust him not to lick. I'm also paranoid about leaving the bandage off, he might have it on permanently if he shows any signs of licking or scratching.
 
such an ordeal

It is rough when you have to deal with injuries on dogs when they want no part of you messing with them.

Would it be possible to get the tail honey'd up and then put a light breathable gauze wrapping on it so it wouldn't be lickable, and it wouldn't be messy. The honey has such healing properties, if you could get Deska to stand it, I think it would do a world of good.

I didn't know that the manuka plant was basically a tea tree, well that makes a world of sense...no wonder it is super healing!!!

I hope you are coping ok!!!
 
What a terrible ordeal for you and Deska, Caro. I'm so sorry to hear about all he's going through. It does sound like the cure was worse than the cause with the shaving.

I know my dogs would love honey on their tails but it wouldn't be there for long! I would guess the only way to make it work is to wrap it lightly. I use tea tree frequently for itching but had never heard of the honey cure. That's very interesting.

I hope both you and Deska get some relief soon, and some healing for poor Deska.
 
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